LAHORE  - The government on Saturday decided to restore gas supply to the industries in Punjab after a hiatus of one month of gas suspension.
It should be mentioned here over 10 million people are linked with the textile industries in Punjab. The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) had warned to shut down the industries once and for all. On this, the Petroleum Ministry held negotiations with the representatives of the association.
At the conclusion of the talks, the announcement was made to restore gas supply to Punjab textile industries from January 23 (Monday).
The Petroleum Ministry however said the industries will get the supply three days a week, and threatened to take action if someone tries to use gas on the fourth day. The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) will make public the schedule in this connection.  Meantime, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Dr Asim Hussain noted that the gas crisis stands hitherto unresolved owing to cartelization.
Meanwhile, the industrial units in Faisalabad on Saturday remained shut for more than a month as a result of suspension of gas supply. Sui Gas authorities had disconnected the gas supply to industries on December 22 for an indefinite period which could not be restored on 31st consecutive day.
Halting of production process has badly affected the daily-wage workers. According to industrialists, tens of thousands of employees are suffering due to closure of industries. They have asked the government to take appropriate measures to resume gas supply to the industries.